A DECISION on the site of the new Saddleworth School could be reached before Christmas.
The news comes as a group of Independent Saddleworth councillors plans to deliver a 3,000 signature petition to the Education Funding Agency urging for the new school to be built on its existing site in Uppermill.
Controversy has surrounded the siting of the new £17million school, which will be home to 1,500 students, with opposition to proposed sites on land at Huddersfield Road in Diggle.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We hope to be in a position to confirm how we will address the significant condition needs at Saddleworth School in the next four to six weeks.
“This is the first stage in the process to rebuild the school. The proposals will be subject to a planning application and public consultation.”
The spokesperson pointed out the school was successful in its application to be part of Priority School Building Programme (PSBP) – an investment programme to meet building condition needs of 261 schools in the poorest condition across England.
“Delivering the best schools and skills to prepare young people for life in modern Britain is key to building a stronger economy and a fairer society, ” she said.
“Vital building work is taking place at 261 schools in the worst state across the country as part of the Government’s £2.4 billion Priority School building programme.
“We are making excellent progress with six schools already open and all schools to be completed by the end of 2017.”
She added: “The EFA undertakes a full feasibility study for schools in the PSBP to consider all options available and determine which solution will offer best value for money.
“The feasibility study for Saddleworth School is currently in progress and will shortly be reviewed before being finalised.”
Meantime, Saddleworth Independent councillors have welcomed a letter from the EFA indicating a decision is imminent and views of local people will be taken into account.
Peter Lauener, EFA chief executive, confirmed a panel had been set up in the EFA to decide where the new school is to be built.
He wrote: “The feasibility study is currently in progress and information for the Uppermill and Diggle sites is being assembled.
“The panel will very shortly commence its assessment of the options.”
He says he will pass on the councillors’ letter to the panel “so they are fully aware of your views” and would be “very happy to pass the petition through to the panel.”
Cllr Mike Buckley said: “We are grateful to the EFA for listening to the views of Saddleworth people.
“They have been ignored to date by Oldham Council, our MP and elected Saddleworth councillors from all major parties.
“I believe the EFA are being fair and even handed in looking at the two site options.
“The letter, once and for all, knocks on the head the often repeated scare story that if the school does not go to Diggle, the EFA will withdraw from the project.
“As a result of Saddleworth Independent’s overtures they are now dispassionately looking as Uppermill as an option.”
The Independent Councillors plan to travel to EFA headquarters in Coventry to present the petition.
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